ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses upon the discussion of analytical techniques and maps out how to create an economic development strategy. It examines the process of strategic planning and its translation into a set of action plans. The chapter looks at the outcomes of economic strategy formation and their relationship with other public sector and business agencies. It explores differences in planning for economic development in urban and rural settings. The chapter discusses public sector coordination and the strategies that can be employed to achieve better outcomes. It considers the experience of practitioners in implementing economic development plans and the use of community reference groups and leadership groups to mobilize community resources to achieve development goals. Economic development plans must be developed in consultation with key stakeholders, including those within and outside the organization. Many accounts of planning for local economic development either focus solely on the techniques used internally to formulate strategy, or discuss the private sector alone.
